Brothers, I struggled with this for some time, before I understood what the bible was telling us. The phrase 'Fear God' is used more than 300 times in the bible. But, we are told repeatedly through out the New Testament that truth cast's out all fear, and that God did not give us the spirit of fear, but rather the spirit of power, of love, and a sound mind, belong to those who love God.

Please allow me to share several verses with you in both the Old and New Testament. I will may occasionally comment, but will save the bulk of my comments to follow in the closing of this teaching.

The word “fear” is derived from Hebrew words which actually mean “fear,” “terror,” or “dread.”

Although many Christian teachers will downplay the “fear of God” and use replacement words such as “respect,” “reverence,” or “honor,” the Hebrew language is pretty clear.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love1 John 4:18

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us 1 John 4:7-12

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us Romans 5:8

“Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”John 15:12-13

The Fear of God – The Love of God How can we comprehend the utterly Great News of Jesus Christ if we don’t first appreciate the fear of God? Without total awe, wonder, terror, dread, reverence, and respect for a perfectly holy, righteous, and just Creator, can we truly appreciate what Jesus Christ, the Son of God, did for us on Calvary’s cross?

It ultimately comes down to perspective and position. Who is God and what is my perspective on His nature, power, and justice? Who am I and what is my human position relative to this Almighty God?

Once we understand and accept the entire story, we can walk out our lives in a special appreciation of co-existing truths -- the “Fear of God” and the “Love of God.”

Brothers, all of us deserve God's judgement for our sin filled life. We all come short of God's glory every single day that we live on this earth. But, our heavenly Father sent His only begotten Son to satisfy that judgement for those of us who will believe in Him.

Jesus lived a sinless life and because of His birth, death, and resurrection we are saved. God forgives us only because of His Son. The bible tells us that all fall short of God's commandments. We deserve punishment for our sins, but because of Jesus we are forgiven. That is why it was necessary for us to have a savior. Because we could never live a sinless life. So the cleansing blood of Jesus frees us of our sins.

God bless you my brothers, and my soon to be brothers in Christ Jesus.